As an early highlight of 2024, the Veho team attended Manifest, where we connected with current customers, industry professionals, and potential future clients. Manifest 2024 was a place for sharing insights, forging new relationships, and exploring the latest trends and innovations in the logistics and supply chain industry.
The Manifest conference gathered the brightest minds to discuss the transformative impact of technology, evolving customer expectations, and the future of delivery and logistics. For Veho, it was a chance to engage with the broader community, learning from others and contributing to the conversation on shaping the future of our industry.
Here are our five key takeaways from Manifest 2024:
1. Last mile delivery is undergoing transformative shifts
Key takeaways:
- Innovative delivery technologies: Adoption of drones, electric vehicles, and AI for faster and greener delivery.
- Consumer expectations: Demand for quick and convenient services drives industry innovation.
- Scalability and sustainability: Emphasis on solutions that grow with e-commerce and reduce environmental impact.
Last mile delivery is transforming before our eyes. The push for faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly delivery options is driving significant innovation in this space. Keynote speakers at Manifest 2024 emphasized how consumer demands for quick and convenient delivery services are leading companies to explore new technologies such as drones, electric vehicles, and AI for route optimization.
The conversation also highlighted the importance of scalability and adaptability in last-mile delivery solutions. As e-commerce continues to grow, the need for delivery systems that can scale with demand while minimizing their carbon footprint is becoming increasingly crucial. The industry is responding with creative solutions, aiming to balance efficiency with sustainability.
2. Customer Expectations are the New Frontier
Key takeaways:
- Rising demands: Consumers now demand speed, reliability, transparency, and flexibility in delivery.
- Technology and innovation: Companies are using technology to meet these expectations, making the delivery experience a market differentiator.
- Customer-first approach: Real-time tracking, flexible options, and proactive communication are essential for high customer satisfaction.
Customer expectations are continuously rising, and logistics companies must keep up. The Manifest 2024 panels highlighted how today's consumers expect more than the traditional fast and reliable delivery—but also transparency and flexibility in their shipping options. This has pushed companies to rethink their customer service strategies, focusing on technology and innovation to meet these demands. It's no longer enough to deliver a package; the delivery experience itself has become a key differentiator in the market.
Adapting to these evolving expectations requires a customer-first approach, integrating new technologies to provide real-time tracking, flexible delivery options, and proactive communication. Companies that excel in these areas are setting new standards for customer satisfaction in the logistics industry.
3. The Gig Economy Continues to Evolve
Key takeaways:
- Expansion into specialized roles: The gig economy is growing beyond traditional roles, integrating into specialized supply chain functions.
- Technology-driven efficiency: Digital platforms and apps are enhancing the management and satisfaction of gig workers.
- Worker rights and well-being: Emphasizing fair treatment and supportive policies for gig workers as they become essential to logistics operations.
The gig economy within the supply chain is rapidly evolving, moving from a niche labor model to a cornerstone of logistics operations. At the conference, experts discussed how the gig economy is expanding beyond traditional roles into more specialized supply chain functions. This evolution is supported by technological advancements that enhance efficiency and worker satisfaction. The integration of digital platforms and apps makes it easier to manage gig workers, ensuring that they can be seamlessly incorporated into supply chain operations.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of treating gig workers fairly, focusing on their rights and well-being. As the gig economy becomes more integral to the supply chain, creating supportive policies and practices is essential for sustaining this labor model.
4. AI is more than a Buzzword
Key takeaways:
- Critical role in logistics: AI is essential for improving demand forecasting and optimizing delivery routes, enhancing supply chain efficiency.
- Tangible impact: AI's real-world applications are significantly boosting operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Future of supply chains: Success stories of AI demonstrate its potential to create smarter, more adaptive supply chains.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now a critical tool in the logistics and supply chain toolkit. Manifest 2024 sessions made it clear that AI is providing real solutions to longstanding industry challenges. From improving demand forecasting to optimizing delivery routes, AI is making supply chains more efficient and responsive. Unlike past technologies that promised much but delivered little, AI is having a tangible impact, improving both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Speakers shared success stories of AI in action, demonstrating how it's being used to solve complex logistics problems. This practical application of AI is a game-changer, offering a glimpse into a future where supply chains are smarter and more adaptive.
5. 2024 Will Be a Big Year for Logistics
Key takeaways:
- Landmark year: 2024 is expected to bring significant changes to the logistics and supply chain industry.
- Importance of agility and innovation: Success will favor companies that are agile, innovative, and focused on customer needs.
- Digital future: The industry is moving towards a digital future, emphasizing technology to enhance efficiency and customer experiences.
Looking forward, 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark year for the logistics and supply chain industry. The challenges and opportunities discussed at Manifest 2024 have set the stage for significant changes. Companies that are agile, innovative, and customer-focused are expected to thrive. The emphasis is on leveraging technology to improve efficiency and customer experiences, with a clear understanding that the future of logistics is digital.
The industry is at a crossroads, with the potential to redefine how goods are moved around the world. The winners in logistics will be those who can navigate this complex landscape, embracing change and innovation to meet the evolving needs of their customers.
